Mexico is expected to be a strong contender on this women’s event, with home-crowd favourites, Canada, also determined to qualify here at the Hershey Centre near Toronto, Ontario.

“This game is going to help us get our rhythm because we’re a new team,” Mexico’s Coach Jorge Azair said. “We’re going to use this to help us get better tomorrow. We’re going to take it step by step because the most important games are going to be against Jamaica and Canada.”

Manitoba-native Tabitha Love led Canada with 14 points and 10 spikes, followed by Kyla Richey (11) and captain Brittney Page with 10 points.

“It was a good focused, concentrated performance here today,” Canada’ Coach Arnd Ludwig stated. “Always the first game of a tournament is a bit unknown, but I’m really happy with how the women played, served, and just about everything in today’s match.”